Chapter 20
Back in the city she knew so well, Clara could already feel that her perspective had changed. She walked beside Selina, wheeling her luggage along as they talked happily on their way out of the airport.
While they were chatting, Selina noticed her parents in the distance and waved. Once Selina introduced Clara, her parents immediately asked her to come
home with them..
But knowing they had a lot to catch up on, Clara politely declined so she wouldn’t be in the way of their reunion.
After they parted ways, Clara left the airport alene, only to find it was pouring outside. With no cabs in sight, she pulled out her phone to book a ride. Just as she was about to book one, a black car pulled up in front of her. She instinctively looked up and there was Damon, walking toward her with
umbrella
other. He looked noticeably thinner. He wore a dark green trench coat that made him look tall and lean. He
It had been months since they last saw each of was almost like a reed in the wind.
Clara hadn’t expected him to show up, and for a moment, she just stood there, stunned. He walked straight up to her. His eyes held an emotion she couldn’t quite read.
His voice was low and steady as he said, “It’s been a long time, Clara. How have you been?”
Clara instinctively took a few steps back, putting some distance between them.
I’m fine,” she replied flatly,
Her cold response made something sink in Damon’s chest. Still, he knew this was just how things were now. They were exes and nothing more. He pulled himself together quickly
He noticed the suitcase in her hand and said, “It’s coming down hard. Let me drive you to the hotel ”
Clara checked her phone to find that her ride was already confirmed. She shook her head, “No, thanks. The car will be here any minut
“Then at least take this umbrella. Your luggage is going to get drenched.”
Clara couldn’t figure out why he was suddenly being so considerate, and an uneasy feeling crept over her. “I don’t need your help, and I don’t see any reason for us to stay in touch. Don’t you agree, Mr. Croft?”
Her words cut deep. They were sharp as a blade. Hidden inside his sleeve, Damon’s hands trembled slightly.
With a strained smile, he asked, “So we can’t stay friends after the divorce?
Clara slipped her phone back into her pocket, pulled out her umbrella, and watched as her ride pulled up.
“We were just classmates even before the divorce. So let’s leave it at that. We were never really in the same world, so there’s no reason to be friends now,
she said.
There wasn’t a trace of warmth in h
in her voice.
Darmon was rooted to the spot. His eyes followed the driver as he packed her suitcase into the trunk. She opened the car door and snapped her umbrella
shut.
Suddenly, he felt something slipping away from him. Without thinking, he lunged forward and grabbed the door just before it closed.
His voice came through steady and clear over the pounding rain. “I don’t think we come from different worlds, Clara. Maybe you’ve heard people gossip about where you’re from or say you shouldn’t have married me, but I need you to understand that I never looked at you like that.
“Not once did I think you weren’t good enough to be with me. You’ve don’t have to put yourself down.”
taken on life straight on and gone after what you want without hesitation. You
Clara had been on her own for nearly ten years, and no one had ever said anything like that to her. She turned slightly and gave him a smile she hardly
ever showed.
“Thank you,” she said.
